Tension is rising at Dodowa in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region over plans to install and outdoor a chief for Lower Dodowa, with the Concerned Youth of Dodowa warning that the move could trigger unrest if allowed to proceed.zz
The group alleged that despite objections and petitions submitted by the Shai Traditional Council and the Osudoku Traditional Council to the appropriate state authorities, organisers of the ceremony were determined to go ahead with the event, heightening security concerns.
At a press conference at Dodowa on Wednesday, the Public Relations Officer of the group, Mr Otu Zor, appealed to the Paramount Chief of Akuapem, Nana Kwasi Akuffo II, to decline any invitation to attend the ceremony in the interest of peace.
Mr Zor said the proposed installation of an Akuapem chief on Shai land raised serious concerns over territorial jurisdiction and traditional authority over Dodowa and its adjoining communities, warning that it could spark clashes and undermine the peace.
He, therefore, called on the Minister for the Interior, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Council, the Greater Accra Regional Security Council and other relevant state institutions to intervene immediately to avert any breach of the peace.
“The youth of Shai wish to state unequivocally that we strongly oppose the proposed programme and fully support the position of the Shai Traditional Council,” he said.
Mr Zor stressed that the group’s opposition was not directed at the people of Akuapem, noting that the two communities had coexisted peacefully for generations and should continue to maintain cordial and respectful relations.
He urged the youth of Shai to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while allowing the appropriate state authorities to address the matter through lawful means.
Mr Zor reaffirmed that the youth remained committed to defending their heritage through legal channels while supporting every effort to preserve peace, justice and mutual respect among all traditional communities.
FROM LAWRENCE VOMAFA-AKPALU-DODOWA
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